Chadron State's Rachael Smidt
(Photo by Bethany Cook)

CHADRON – Chadron State’s Kaitlin Petri scored 23 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds to lead the Eagles to a 60-56 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory over Western State Friday at Armstrong Gymnasium.

With the win, Chadron State avenges an early season loss to the Mountaineers and improves to 8-12 overall and 8-8 in the RMAC.

Friday’s contest, which featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, was close. Neither team led by more than nine points – Western owned a 26-17 advantage with five minutes to go in the first half – but the Eagles closed the half on a strong note.

In the second half, neither team had led by more than five points but the Eagles took control with two minutes to play after Petri nailed a jumper and Marla Munsen hit a free throw and knocked in a layup.

The Mountaineers responded with a 3-pointer to cut the Eagles’ lead to 54-52 but Petri added another layup. Western State responded once again when Nikki Trujillo hit two free throws, cutting it to 56-54, but Betsy Moler and Petri combined to hit three of four free throws down the stretch to ensure the Eagles won their fourth-straight game.

Petri, who also had three assists and three blocks, was the only Eagle to score in double digits but she received plenty of help. Rachel Smidt had eight points and 12 rebounds, Moler scored eight points, Lexi Smidt chipped in seven and Munsen finished with six.

Trujillo led Western State (10-12, 9-7 RMAC) with 15 points and Brooke Pendergraft added 12.

Chadron State is scheduled to host Colorado Mesa University Saturday night at 6:00, but a severe snow storm could delay the Mavericks and push the game back to Sunday at noon. A decision on the possible postponement is scheduled by noon Saturday.

WSC       31 25 – 56

CSC        27 33 – 60

 Box Score

—Alex Helmbrecht, Sports Information Director